CBD plus one.28th February: The Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster team have announced that
legendary US tuner Bill Shultz will be joining the team to work with equally legendary Crew Chief
Alan Jackson in 2005. Bill has had a long association with CBD team owner Knut Söderquist and
last worked with the CBD team in 2001.

"I am delighted that after a few years Bill is back as second Crew Chief with Alan Jackson", said
Knut Söderquist. "Bill worked with Harlan Thompson and I for many
years and his record as a Crew Chief in the USA is second to none. If you have read Don Garlits' biography
then you will know that he named his dog Shultz because Bill was the smartest Crew Chief out there!"

Knut also brought us up-to-date with the rest of the news from the CBD pit. "Micke Kågered's
car is almost done, we are just waiting for the last few pieces", he said. "Jöran's car is
ready except that Alan is coming over to do the final plumbing in mid-April. Chris Andrews' car
is also just awaiting a few parts. The fourth car has no driver at the moment but we will make it
race-ready with the one-piece body and a setback blower. Right now Bill and I are talking to Cory
Lee in the USA about doing some FIA rounds in that car."

As ever, Knut refused to make any predictions about the CBD team's performance in 2005. "I let everyone
else say how good we are going to be!", he said.

Stay tuned as we will shortly have some more news from the CBD pit.

Exit Mister Nice Guy.28th February: 2004 British Nitro Funny Car Champion Gordon Smith says that the Shockwave
team plan to pick up exactly where they left off last year at the Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway.

Gordon, Crew Chief and co-owner Dave Bryant and team aim to hit the ground running
after last year's FIA European Finals, where Gordon took the British title with the quickest FC run of the
year, a new Personal Best of 5.493. "We are sticking to the European Finals combination, which we know
works", says Gordon. "Car- and parts-wise we are in pretty good shape, we came out on top last year and that
has given us a good grounding for this year. We have three engines this year although that doesn't mean
we want to use all of them!"

The FC will again be black and carry the colours of main sponsors Fuel Records and Fast Car magazine.
"Fast Car has a readership of over one million and they will be running a monthly feature on the car
throughout the season", says Gordon. "That's going to be great for the sport. As well as racing we will be
making promotional appearances and we will be running at Ultimate Street Car". Regular sponsors Autolite,
Fram, Abac Compressors, Loctite, Flint Insurance and Prolong have also already renewed for 2005.

Gordon has one final warning for his competitors this year. "There's be no more Mister Nice Guy", he says.
"The Top Fuellers are going to get a surprise at Easter and our game plan is to kick everyone's arses!"

UK Northern Chassis Day success.28th February: UK Tech Inspector Mark Norton has been in touch to tell us that the
UK Northern Chassis Day, held at John Sleath's
premises, was a great success. Click on any link for a picture.

"After passing that car, it was time to thank John for his help and hospitality and head thirty miles south to Martin Curbishley's paint shop to inspect
his latest TNT race cars-built Swedish import Super Comp dragster. Martin was unable to attend
John Sleath's because he was trying - in true Anneka Rice style but without the jump suit, thank god - to paint a complete Top Fuel operation in
two weeks. Martin's car passed with flying colours, and now also needs painting.

"With that, I left the land of flat caps and black puddings and made a break for to the Watford gap before my visa expired."

Swift snippets.28th February: We have set up a page containing the dates of this year's SFI Recertification Tour, whose details we
announced here on Eurodragster on 18th February.
You can view this year's SFI Tour dates by clicking here or
by clicking on the 2005 European SFI Tour link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Amazement in Bahrain.28th February:Bahrain
Drag Racing Club General Secretary Fahad Taqi tells us that the first round of the Bahrain National
Championship, held on 23rd-24th February, was "amazing".

"We had a full house of spectators, and some of the best-looking, meanest drag cars we have ever seen from
Bahrain and the GCC", says Fahad. "It was great being a part of this historic event in the kingdom.

"In the Street Stock class, Moh'd Alshomily in is his 2000 Z28 Camaro hit an all-time best of
12.05/118.

"Round two of the Championship will be on 9th-10th March and is expected to be a great one."

Historic Show report.28th February: The National Street Rod Association and Shakespeare
County Raceway enjoyed a successful three-day promotion at Stoneleigh Park’s second International
Historic Motorsport Show at the weekend, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson.

Taking pride of place amongst many of historic motor
racing's mouth-watering and often priceless collection
of racing cars was Mickey Moore and Ollie Burn’s Fuel
Altered The Mob (right, click on picture for large version, photo courtesy of
Dr John)
and Mark Fullard’s ‘new but old skool’ small
block Chevy slingshot dragster. These two eye-catching
machines gathered just a much attention from the
thousands of on lookers who attended the Midlands show
as the Formula One cars of days gone by. We even had
Autosport magazine and self-confessed drag racing fan
Marcus Pye collecting information about the Altered
for next week's issue.

Stand staff, which included Nostalgia Nationals and
Hot Rod Drags organisers Alan Martin and Martin Payne
and SCR’s Press Officer Jeremy Cookson all handed out
over two thousand information packs to would be
historic racing converts as well as reminiscing with
visitors who at one time had had an association with
the sport in its formative years.

"It was like turning back the pages in time", said
Jeremy. "The number of people who came over to say
that they remembered watching sixties and seventies
stars at Santa Pod was tremendous. We even had a visit
from Chris Patterson who in the early sixties won an
Allard Dragon dragster in a magazine competition".
Chris says that after taking in some of the nostalgia
scene at Shakespeare County that he wants to build his
own slingshot dragster.

Just across the way from the vintage Stock Cars, Wild
Bunch racer and all round good guy Mark Coulsell
represented the nostalgia association by displaying
his ‘Limited Funz’ slingshot. Although the WB star
spent most of the weekend moving house, the stand was
attended by his father for three days explaining what
the association was all about as well as letting the
kids, and even bigger kids, some seat time in the car!

All in all, the successful weekend was capped by Mark
who once again stunned everyone left inside the show
hall by firing up the dragster and driving it out the
back door and down one of the Park’s many private
roads.

To view more photos of the Historic Motorsport Show
log on to Dr John's web site at www.drjohn.cc and
follow the link.

Web site updates.28th February: Anne Peck has updated the Bootsoop International Drag Racing team web
site at www.bootsoop.freeserve.co.uk
with all the news from Planet Bristol. "In particular, the update included Rich Gilbertson's newly-painted
Corvette, which is a must-see, and my Bristol-biased view of the Xtreme Wheels show at Ally Pally", says
Anne. "We're organising the British contingent attending the American Car Show in Helsinki at Easter again, so
as usual our own season won't begin until the FIA Main Event. The Bootsoop dragster has been neglected of
updates as usual, so we'll be out racing in May with the same old-same old. Should be fun!"

...and Everitt makes four for PMR.27th February:Paul Marston Racing
have announced that John Everitt will be campaigning PMR's Alien Altered in Super Pro ET this season.

"PMR now offers a package through which an experienced driver without a current ride can hire one of our race cars", says Paul Marston.
"The package is very flexible to take into consideration a driver's needs and requirements: everything from an arrive-and-drive to a full hands-on
involvement package can be offered. Everyone at PMR is thrilled to have John join us; he is a much-respected and tough sportsman racer.
The opportunity of putting a good driver in a competitive race car such as the Alien is an exciting prospect and we are all looking forward
to running the Alien in the UK National Championship. Although initially tempting, the Alien will be running alongside the PT Bruiser
in Super Pro ET and not running in the NFAA. Oh, and before anyone asks there will be no team orders: if John and myself meet in eliminations
it will be a fair fight!

"I hope to carry on where I left off with the PT Bruiser in Super Pro ET: no major changes as yet, just a thorough check-over and some new slicks.
I had hoped to be running the new methanol fuel injection system which I brought back from the States at the end of last year, but with the weather
the way it has been I made a decision to introduce this development later during the year.

"This brings us to our very dear friend and fellow driver at PMR, Dave Gibbons, who has been experiencing a rather tough time of late.
Of course most of you know Dave Gibbons as a veteran of drag racing, Brighton Speed Trials and more recently driver of the Alien.
Dave and his lovely wife Ali are expecting their first child, which is of course great news; but less happily Dave had an unfortunate accident
in January involving a ladder and scaffolding and has broken his back. Luckily it is not a bad break and Dave is up and mobile. I have
kept in constant contact with Dave who being the true star he is called me from his hospital bed after his accident as he was concerned
about the PMR race cars not being ready in time for the season as he would not be able to help with the work. I saw Dave on Thursday
and he is in good spirits, talking about making a full recovery and being back in the hot seat in the future. Dave also insisted upon
being on hand at Easter to help John with technical and practical advice about piloting the Alien.

"I am sure everyone will join everyone at PMR in wishing Dave and Ali Gibbons all the very best on their family news, and a speedy
recovery to Dave who is a huge asset to the sport (Hear, hear - Ed)."

Paul tells us that there are slots left for both his Passenger Ride Experience and the Drag Race
Driving School but that they are going quickly. For more details, check out the PMR web site at
www.paulmarstonracing.com,
call the office 0208 597 4575 or Paul's mobile on 07831 650230, or E-Mail
office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk.

"Last year Brian Griffin of Xpower talked me into
having the 2005 panels on the car", said Chris. "These were supplied free of charge as were the graphics.
Paul Somerville and I made the plug for the new front end, and Dale at DRE made the mould and fibreglass
front. The sills and rear arches were made at Mark Ramplee's
Electromec Services work shop, as was the
new exhaust system, again with the help of Paul and Will.

The MG has also been the subject of a feature on motorsport web site Crash.net. "I have been giving race reports
to Andy Stobbart for a couple of years, and only met him for the first time at the Show", said Chris.
"He said he might put us on Crash for a laugh - top bloke!"

Bennetts do their sponsors proud.25th February: Also enjoying themselves at Xtreme Wheels International were blown-alcohol
altered racer Frank Bennett
and his son Luke, who were exhibiting Frank's Topolino altered on the Nostalgia Fuel
Altered Association display.

"Our thanks to all who helped with the very efficient and well-organised show, especially when it was time
to go home - we were out within the hour.

"My own car is currently a totally bare chassis, as I am undertaking a complete rebuild of the car with a few
chassis updates and a major restoration of the car. You may not know that the car was once owned by Barry
Sheavills as Stagecoach 2. It's got to the point where I have been polishing some
washers as they are all visible! I will be running in the Wild Bunch this year, with the possibility of
Pro ET in the future."

Carter back with Outlaw Anglia.25th February: Two-time FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion
Andy Carter is to return to the Outlaw Anglia class
as a contingency sponsor. Andy dominated the class during 1994 and took the ultimate accolade of World’s Quickest
and Fastest Anglia before moving to Top Fuel Dragster in 1995.

Andy will be giving away two gallons of Lucas Oil to the driver recording the lowest ET at each round of the 2005
Outlaw Anglia Championship. To qualify for the
prize, drivers must display a pair of Carter Motorsport decals, which will be available from Andy's pit area at
all FIA events and match races attended by the team this season.

As announced last month, Andy is now an official distributor for
Lucas Oils (UK) Ltd and will be carrying the full
range of products with him to each event. Andy and the team have used Lucas Oil Products exclusively for the
past three seasons in the dragster, the transporter, the pick-up and the tow car, and can fully guarantee
the products' reliability and effectiveness in these hard-working environments.

Gordon aims to test as much as he can before the season starts. "We are aiming to test at the Big Bang at Santa Pod at the start of May", said Adrian. "In fact I think a
number of the Pro Mod boys are planning to test there. We will also test the weekend before the Main Event."

"The show was exceptionally well-organised and extremely well-received by the public who attended in droves", says Paul Marston. "Drag Racing really
should be proud of this opportunity to promote our sport to such a large number of the general public. There were some stunning new cars unveiled at
Xtreme Wheels. The fact that car builders are now making sure that their new creations are ready for this show is an acknowledgement of how, in a
short time, Xtreme Wheels has become an essential date on everyone’s calendar. Amongst note was Danny Cockerill's awesome '57 Chevy Pro Mod
which quite rightly walked off with a clutch of trophies. Very well-deserved too, I am sure that everyone wishes Danny every success in the forthcoming
season, on his quest to conquer the Scandinavians with his brand-new ride built, I might add, entirely in the UK.

"Paul Marston Racing's major sponsor Black Box London also wish to express their thanks to everyone involved, in particular Choice FM 96.9 and 107.1
who were nothing but a pleasure to work alongside. Broadcasting live on both days between 12.00 and 15:00, featuring Richard Blackwood and Kat,
they kept the large crowds entertained all day, with some live acts headlined by stunning R & B singer Keisha White who bought the house down."

Black Box Stage Manager Peter Fearn also wanted to thank everyone who took advantage of the fifty per cent discount lighting offer which Black Box
made through Eurodragster prior to Xtreme Wheels. "As a special deal for Paul Marston Racing, we offered to light up anyone’s display stand
or individual car for a nominal fee - and every race car which Black Box lit won a trophy - nice!", says Peter "So you could say both the Black Box Massive and
the car owners were more than happy with the Hippies! If we are lucky enough to return for next year's Xtreme Wheels we will definitely run a similar
offer again."

"It's only February and already we have been at Autosport International, opened a store for Goodyear
tyres in Scotland and attended the Xtreme Wheels Show", says Andy. "Things do seem to be getting busier
and busier, the interest in this great sport of ours has definitely taken an upturn in the last ten years
and I think most of us can pat ourselves on the back for this.

"As I write it’s all go here at Carter Motorsport! The truck and trailer are away at DA Commercial
Coachworks being painted, the spare race/show car panels are at Marshalls of Peterborough being
painted by the expert hands of Andy Przybyl, Ben and Roger are in Norway working on the race car, John
Andrews and Dan Welberry are busy as I don’t stop firing things at them to do, Kim is busy getting
merchandise made, Sarah is trying to improve our hospitality for sponsors for this season,
Pauleen at Elite Clothing is busy handling
all the new start line shirts/crew wear and I’m running around like a blue-arsed fly!

"Whilst Ben is in Norway I’m speaking to him on a daily basis. When they arrived at the ‘Wizards’ shop, our
baby was totally naked, nothing but a bare chassis, so the first thing to do was get the chassis cleaned,
checked and oiled. Next some extra tubing was welded in, the new SFI/FIA spec cockpit shield was fitted
and now they are in the middle off cleaning, checking everything and putting back together.

"I always look forward to the Pro Fuel Shootout at the Easter Thunderball this has always been one I’m just
as hungry to win as the FIA events. With two wins and a runner up who would bet against me? Competition
will be tough: Thomas Nataas, Lex Joon and Jon Webster don’t come racing for fun and I will be have to be
on top of my game to get the third win. I’m sure the Funny Cars will be Gordon Smith and John Spuffard and
I always see Spuff as the threat, but as the FCs would probably agree their performances have been a bit off
recently so they will really have to get it together to take a win - but that said, I won’t underestimate
them and stranger things have happened!

"It just leaves me to say thanks to all the people who have offered to help me out when they see that
I am so busy: it’s really great to have people come up and say "If I can help out in any way just shout", thanks!

"This will probably be my last update before the Pro Fuel Shootout, so I'll see you at the track."

For a list of 2004 Santa Pod Racers Club Champions, click here, or
click on the Points Standings link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page. If you have any queries then
please get in touch with SPRC Club Secretary Paula Marshall at
paula.marshall@btconnect.com or call
her on 01933 313625.

"We were especially pleased to see so many drag racing vehicles featured", says Chris and Claire. "We would like to say a huge Thank You to
Terry and Tina Gibbs, Bob and Cathy Glassup, and all of the many people involved who worked so hard for many months to make the
Show such a great success. Fair play and best of luck for Xtreme Wheels 3!"

The highlight of Chris and Claire's weekend came at Sunday’s prizegiving ceremony, at which they were really surprised to be presented with the
Anya Yates With You All The Way Memorial Trophy by MC John Price. The citation from Sophie Sanderson-Brown and her husband
Bruno explains:

"Thanks of course go to Pete Lane (master pilot), Jean and Keith, Helen (for the never-ending cups of tea), Jon Webster, Jeff Bull, Stig (for the
artwork) and last but not least Bob (stop twisting my arm, I really do like the colour) Doyle."

Sponsorship update.22nd February: UK Pro Modified racer Danny Cockerill tells us that he has
already collected some sponsors for his beautiful '57 Chevy.

"Many thanks to DFDS for giving us a free ferry to Sweden and back, to Jonell Steel Erectors (thanks JB), to Graham (Blakey) Ellis
Traction Services for supplying rear tyres (hopefully all season), and to Dave Reed", says Danny. "If I am to go to Europe this
year I will need more sponsors so please get in touch with me if you are interested."

Also announcing a new sponsor are the UK's Pro ET racers, who have added another company to their 2005
Sponsorship Scheme.

"We would like to welcome Alleyjax, who will be awarding #1 qualifiers with a money-off voucher for their lightweight, high-strength, quick-lift,
front-roller racing jacks", says racer and Sponsorship Co-ordinator Carl Burton. "I have obtained
a jack for myself and am very pleased with it, I advise all racers to take a look at
their web site at www.alleyjax.co.uk."

Xtreme Wheels thanks.22nd February: Tina Gibbs of Xtreme Wheels International organisers Obsession Motorsports
has been in touch with a message of thanks to all those who helped to make it such a success:

Charity Kart Race update.22nd February: Santa Pod Raceway's Race Director Darren Prentice has been in touch with
the latest news about the Charity Kart Race which is to take place at Whilston Mill near Daventry on Sunday
6th March.

"I am very pleased that Dave Riswick has renewed Ampar's support of the Ultimate Power Championship in
2005", says Lee Child of LA Performance Services. "Dave has been a long and solid supporter of drag racing,
and in fact is probably one of the sport's longest-standing supporters in the country. We are grateful to
Dave for his continued backing."

The Ampar web site at www.ampar.com features products,
distributor list, a great monthly newsletter by Mike Lintern, and more.

UK racers sought for Drachten challenge.21st February: UK Sportsman ET racers Andrew and Sandie Gibb are gauging interest
from UK racers who would like to run at the Dutch Finals at Drachten on 28th-29th August. Andrew and Sandie ran their
'38 Opel at the Dutch track last year and were made very welcome.

"As I type our '38 Opel is at the painters but should be back in early March. Hopefully we will be at the Easter Thunderbnall so that Sandie can
make her observed runs and then step into competition in Sportsman ET."

Predator rolling.21st February: Adam Charnley of Cougar Racing has been in touch with the latest news on
his Wild Bunch altered, which now goes by the name of Predator.

Cool Green update.21st February: A big Congratulations to Sue and Chris Emms, parents of erstwhile Junior
Dragster racer Ricky Emms, on the birth of their daughter Summer who was born on 14th February and tipped the
scales at 7 lb 6 oz. Chris tells us that Sue and Summer are both doing extremely well.

The event is in its second year and features all forms of historic motorsport, from vintage formula one, early oval racing, a classic rally stage in
the grounds to a feature on the centenary of the Shelsley Walsh hill climb. We feel obliged to promote the long history of drag racing in the UK.
So what are we displaying?

The Mob Fuel Altered will need no introduction, although it is currently being repainted and Mark Gredzinski will be relettering it in time
for the show. Originally built for Vic Hammond back when Noah was a lad, and once campaigned with the name Cockney Rebel, it truly
has a distinguished heritage in British drag racing. Making its debut at the show will be Mark Fullard's 1966 Frank Huszar (Race Car Specialties) built
slingshot. Built in the same shop which created the famed Surfers slingshot, Mark's rail lay forgotten until its debut in the Goodguys Pro
Nostalgia circus in 2000, eventually running a best of 7.58/173. It will hit the track this year running an Enderle injected 350 smallblock. A
true new old stock dragster!

The National Motorcycle Museum will also be displaying Pegasus, Hogslayer and Super Nero. What with five halls full of
exhibits, not to mention the outdoor events, it should be a hell of a weekend.

IMAX Cinema Birmingham is delighted to host the UK and Western Europe premiere of NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience
in association with Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby.

NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience will have moviegoers and motorsport fans on the edges of their seats as they experience speeds
of more than 200 miles per hour. The heart-pounding thrills of NASCAR racing, the USA’s most popular spectator sport, have been
captured through IMAX 3D technology and come to life on a screen five storeys high, with 12,000 watts of pure digital surround sound.

British motorsport fans will find that NASCAR combines the speed and drama of Formula 1 with the thrills and spills of stock car racing.
Golden Globe Award-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland who narrates the film says: "With The IMAX Experience putting you in the driver's
seat at a series of exciting NASCAR races you can virtually feel the speed of the cars and the thunder of the engines, and that's why this
film lends itself perfectly to the technology that IMAX provides."

NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience transports fans directly into the driver’s seat to explore the world of today’s élite NASCAR
drivers and teams. The film briefly reviews the history of this legendary sport, told from the viewpoint of some of its most revered drivers, and
then thrusts into high gear with a look at the thrilling phenomenon that is NASCAR today. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes glimpses, as
well as gripping footage of the unpredictable action on the track, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience provides a close-up look at what
motivates NASCAR drivers in and out of competition.

The film also focuses on the science of today’s racing technology, the cutting-edge racing machines and the underlying physics that drivers
depend on to make turns at the highest speeds while skilfully manoeuvering within inches of their competitors.

The IMAX Cinema Birmingham is at Millennium Point on Curzon Street – less than ten minutes' walk from the Bullring or Moor Street Station
and about fifteen minutes from New Street Station. For drivers, Millennium Point's competitively priced car park is off Jennens Road (the A47),
just off the Inner Ring Road, Junction 15 – follow the brown tourist information signs to Thinktank at Millennium Point.

Web site updates.21st February: Thanks to Bob Roberts for letting us know that construction photographs of
Danny Cockerill's '57 Chevy Pro Mod and Malcolm Francis' Super Comp/Super Gas Pontiac Grand Am are available
on the Customer Cars page of the Andy Robinson Race Cars web site at
www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk. You can access the
build-up photos by clicking on the picture of each car.

It's Just Mental!20th February: Pete Smith will be joining this year's UK Street Eliminator wars in
his Just Mental 1980 Corvette (right) which was unveiled at this weekend's Xtreme Wheels International.

With a 350 SBC for power, Pete didn't have to think too long for his race number when asked by
Street Eliminator Co-ordinator Dale Reardon. "I asked if 350 was available, and it was, so I took
it!", said Pete.

Pete said that he plans to test at Santa Pod Raceway in March before contesting Street Eliminator. We will
also still see Pete's face grinning up to us in Race Control as he assists Martin Bishop's Pro Stock Bike
at certain events. "Street Eliminator won't be running at the FIA events, so I will be helping Martin
at those", he said.

Sheavills maintains momentum.20th February: Barry Sheavills says that he and the Fansfueler team are keeping
up the momentum on the project to return him to the seat of a Top Fuel Dragster even though time is running
short to make arrangements for the 2005 season.

2004 NAST Supertwin Fuel Champion Ian Turburville is selling a 114ci S&S McClure engine (right).
"Just put the bullet in your chassis and race!", says Turbo. "Ready to go, timed, all set up, never run with over 70% nitro!
Bottom end all checked AOK. Dyna 4000 HDTF ignition available extra, some spares. Just £5000 - fuel system included!".
For more information, drop Turbo a line at topfuelturbo@ntlworld.com.

Eurodragster.com News Editor Tog would like to thank everyone who got in touch with Get Well wishes after
he went down with the flu, with a particular hug reserved for Carla Pittau for her on-line Get Well card. Tog
is now recovering and hopes to be able to report from Xtreme Wheels tomorrow, although depending upon how he feels
the coverage may be more pictures than words.

Ray said that to do the entire width of the quarter mile took two days.
"This is the first time that we have worked on a drag strip, but it won't be the last", he said. "I understand
that a track in Sweden is now interested as a result of our work at Santa Pod."

Bahrain expects big numbers.16th February: An entry of more than a hundred cars, and over eight thousand spectators, are
expected to attend the first round of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship on
23rd-24th February, says Bahrain Drag Racing Club General Secretary Fahad Taqi.

Web site updates.16th February: The official web site of the European Pro Mod Association at
www.promod.nu has been updated with a Team page
for Sweden's Jörgen Karlsson. "Jörgen's Ford Mustang (right) will be a part of a two-car team with Roger Johansson and
MSS Racing", says our good buddy Patrik Jacobsson.

The UK's Super Modified racers have launched an official web site at www.supermodified.co.uk.
The very professional-looking site, administered by Lee Kirk of the Rat Fink team, features news, rules, team information, photo gallery,
sponsor page and more.

Stockholm's Tullinge Raceway, which has escaped the closure announced at the end of last season, now has its own web site at
www.tullingeraceway.com. The very nice-looking site is presented in
Swedish and includes a race calendar, rules, map, photo gallery, gossip and more.

Our good friend Alan Currans has posted the 105th update on his excellent Acceleration Archive web site. "This update is
another fine collection of previously unseen car and bike graphic designs by Mark Gredzinski, interspersed with some of his excellent trackside
photographs", says Alan. "The Draper Brothers' Funny Car is pictured in various guises along with the Turners' Fuel Altered, Steve Read's Top
Alcohol Dragster and John Spuffard's Trans Am flopper. For bike fans there are a couple of stunning designs for the Brachtvogels' Top Fuel screamer".
Check it out at www.theaccelerationarchive.co.uk.

James Hands has updated his Racing 05 fan site with a page of photographs of the facilities of Santa Pod Raceway including the start
line, VIP, Race Control and more. Check it out at
pages.123-reg.co.uk/jimmy43-800350.

Items to be discussed include the 2005 UK National Championship (ratification of dates as well as Championship
matters), event entry fees and prize funds, the possible reclassification of 9.90 Bike and 10.90 Bike, as well
as Any Other Business.

Xtreme Wheels latest.15th February: The UK's Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association will be displaying no
less than five cars at this weekend's Xtreme Wheels
International at Alexandra Palace in London. Series organiser Lawrie Gatehouse tells us that the
Mob, Xtreme Racing and Freddy's Revenge in its new colours (right) have now been joined by
Frank Bennett's Transworld Racing blown-alcohol altered and Paul Marston Racing's Alien altered,
about which much more below.

Barry Sheavills and the Fansfueler team will be promoting the fansfueler project from the Santa Pod Raceway stand at Xtreme Wheels.
This will be the last chance to meet the team and make a pledge in person to become a founder fansfueler member. After the success of the fansfueler
raffle at the Flame and Thunder Show the team will once again be raffling a £1000 voucher towards a set of wheels and tyres, kindly donated by fansfueler
corporate partners AEZ and generous fansfueler member Gary Simes. The winner of this excellent prize will be able to collect their wheels and tyres from
any branch of the Motorworld chain of stores. The winner will be announced late in the day on Sunday at the show and on the fansfueler website on Monday
(21st february). The fansfueler team will also contact the winner by phone.

There may also be a sneak preview of the fansfueler Top Fuel Simulator which the team are hoping to have at events this summer. Fansfueler project team
member Chris Parker said "This will be a great opportunity for adults and kids alike to get an idea of what its really like to drive and tune a Top Fuel Dragster
and will be just one of the unique benefits that we will be offering our members. If we have the software ready for Xtreme Wheels we are hoping that fans will
be able to see Barry make a few runs and maybe challenge arch rival Andy Carter to a pre-season match race."

For those not able to Xtreme Wheels this weekend, the fansfueler web site at www.fansfueler.co.uk
has been updated with all the latest news, and a report from Alexandra Palace will be posted sometime next week.

You can find out all about Xtreme Wheels International including ticket prices on the Show's official web site at
www.xwishow.com.

PMR at Xtreme Wheels.15th February: Paul Marston tells us that
Paul Marston Racing will be attending this
weekend's Xtreme Wheels International in an official capacity. Paul has been appointed Official Drag Racing Tyre Consultant
on the stand of Waltham Tyres, official importer of Hoosier Tyres. "Hoosier have been developing their drag racing tyre selection over the past few
years and have enjoyed much success in the States", says Paul. "The full range is now available here in England and with the launch of their exciting
new Drag Race Radials, their range now stretches from Imports and Hot Hatches all the way to Top Methanol Dragster.
I will be at Xtreme Wheels both days at or around the Hoosier Tyres stand, so if you need any specific advice regarding drag racing tyres
then please ask for me there by name.

As mentioned above the team will also be exhibiting the Alien altered on the Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association stand.
“I can confirm that we have had interest from a number of parties regarding running the Alien in the NFAA", says Paul, "one of which
is particularly serious and there is a proposal currently on the table to be fine tuned. Paul Marston Racing will go public when and if there is
something to announce. Everyone at PMR is very excited at the prospect of running the Alien in the NFAA; it would herald our first foray
into heads-up competition. It would be important to run the first season as it would lay a good foundation for what we see as a most promising
development in UK Sportsman Drag Racing. It will provide a stepping stone from the ET and Super classes with an entry-level
semi-professional class which up till now did not exist. Add to that the well thought out rules, funding in place, agreed MSA rules structure, general
appeal to race teams as a good investment class, and an organiser who already has an eye on the future from a cost point of view, and
the obvious spectacle it can provide promoters in being a heads-up class with potentially reliable, healthy entries event after event - it has plenty going for it.”

The PMR team will also be in attendance at Xtreme Wheels to answer any enquiries about the Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Driving School and
Passenger Ride Experiences, along with the opportunities available to drive one of the Drag Race Driving School race cars in National competition.
"Just stop by and ask, or pick up a leaflet", says Paul. "Of course you can also visit our web site at
www.paulmarstonracing.com, or call 0208 597 4575 or mobile 07831 650230."

Finally Black Box London, who sponsor Paul Marston Racing, asked us to mention that they still have a little lighting left at a fifty per cent discount
for any exhibitors at Xtreme Wheels. Lighting packages delivered, set up, and collected start from as little as £50.00. Call Peter Fearn at Black Box
on 0797 0029424 to discuss your requirements. "Support the People who support our sport", says Paul.

Triumph for new transporter.15th February: Greece's Paranoid Racing team has unveiled its new transporter (right)
at the Athens Motorcycle Show, which is taking place this week in the
former Olympic Press Centre. The transporter formed the main part of the Triumph booth, where the complete line-up of the brand was displayed.
Visitors had the chance to preview the latest models such as the new Sprint ST and the slick Speed Triple 1050 Streetfighter as well as touch, feel
and even test ride the 2004 demo fleet on a specially prepared area around the parking lot of the huge building. Visitor numbers were much higher
than any other booth in the show and feedback was very positive.

Paranoid Racing will be travelling around Greece throughout the year with the updated 2005 Triumph demo fleet, giving prospective buyers the opportunity
to test ride every model from the Bonneville to the ultimate performance cruiser, the 2.3 litre Rocket III.

The team's ex-Harris works race transporter is being updated and refurbished with equipment such as GPS tracking of the demo fleet with real time mapping
display and data storage, a new satellite system and a wireless 3G network which will offer high speed internet access, on-line warehouse stock check and
ordering capabilities as well as a home theatre server set-up with two LCD monitors and 300 watt sound system. The service area will carry all the necessary
parts and tools to maintain the eleven-bike fleet in top condition through the year. Customer feedback will be recorded and analysed, and all the information
will be routed to the main Triumph importer's headquarters for further evaluation.

The unique-in-Europe project is a result of the collaboration of Eliofil S.A., the sole Triumph motorcycle importers and distributors for Greece, and White Line
Cycles, owners of Paranoid Racing and the Atomic Triumph dealership in downtown Athens, and reflects their determination to continue to pursue an aggressive
marketing strategy, and their trust and support of a superior quality product such as Triumph Motorcycles.

Swift snippets.14th February: Thanks to
Xtreme Wheels International PR Martin Allerton for letting us
know that Martin Hill's spectacular flame and thunder show outside Alexandra Palace, as well as the rest of
last Thursday's XWI Press Call, is provisionally scheduled to be broadcast on World Motorsport on UK
satellite and cable as follows: Sky Sports Xtra at 19:00 tonight (Monday), Sky Sports 2 at 02:00 tomorrow (Tuesday), Sky Sports 1 at
15:00 tomorrow, and Sky Sports 2 at 14:00 on Wednesday. Look out for your News Editor resetting his own
Jet FC proximity record. These times are currently as displayed on Sky's Electronic Programme Guide, but as ever
keep an eye on your electronic programme guide or teletext for last-minute schedule updates.

SCR flyers available.14th February: The UK's Shakespeare
County Raceway has just taken delivery of the new revised 2005 Events Calendar for the
forthcoming season at the Warwickshire quarter-mile facility, writes SCR Press Officer Jerry Cookson.

If you wish to receive a copy of the calendar as well as the tracks special promotional event flyers please
send your mailing details to ultimatepower@hotmail.co.uk.

"As Mullins said, "Send money, guns and lawyers" and maybe we'll be racing more than watching this year...OK, forget the guns!"

Nefraim aims for 7.0s.13th February: Our good friend Elias Vathias of the Greek
Dragster web site has interviewed 2004 Greek Open Class Champion Makis Nefraim about his 2005 plans,
and kindly sent us an English translation.

Just a reminder that in a few week's time, Eurodragster.com will be switching to a recommended screen resolution
of 1024x768 as opposed to the current 800x600, which ceased to be the standard a couple of years ago.
This should affect very few if any of our readers.

If you were tuned in to yesterday's Eurodragster News you will have seen that Canto Consultancy/Prolong Top Fuel
Dragster Crew Chief Peter Knight referred to Jon finishing his trailer. Jon says that the trailer could be finished
quite quickly. "If Peter could make his mind up on whether he would prefer Connolly leather or mohair for the interior finishing, and marble or solid oak
flooring, we will finish it post haste", he says.

Northern UK Chassis Day.12th February: Many thanks to UK Tech Inspector Geoff Martin for letting us know that
Mark Norton will be at
John Sleath's workshop on Saturday 26th February for a Chassis Inspection Day.

"It will be an early start, and quite a few slots are already booked, but there is time for more", says Geoff.
"If you are within easy distance of Doncaster and need a new chassis cert, or even a re-cert, contact Mark on
07881 456314 or E-Mail fuzzynod77@aol.com."

Another Chassis Day is planned at Santa Pod Raceway on Friday 11th March, when Geoff and Mark will be with the SFI inspection team.

ACI/Silverline Tooled up for 2005.12th February: 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Dragster Champions
American Car Imports Racing and
sponsor Silverline Tools see next weekend's
Xtreme Wheels International as their ideal springboard for 2005. The quickest, fastest and most successful car in Top Methanol
Dragster will be getting an earlier-than-usual airing at the show at Alexandra Palace on what is promised to be an impressive
stand. Fans to Xtreme Wheels are also being offered the chance of a lifetime to join the ACI team at a race event as a Thank You
for their loyal support.

The Supertwin Fuel bike of Steve Clutterbuck is the latest addition to the drag racing line-up for next week's
Xtreme Wheels International at Alexandra Palace. "We have a sizeable bike contingent", says organiser Terry Gibbs,
"and a larger number of race vehicles than last year. We are very grateful to everyone who has volunteered to
display their car or bike". For more information about Xtreme Wheels International including ticketing details,
check out the Show's official web site at www.xwishow.com.

Jet Funny Car pilot Martin Hill and his Fireforce team are widely-known as having one of the busiest
schedules in the whole of drag racing, but Martin tells us that he recently found time for another booking.
"The producers of the forthcoming Batman movie came and made samples of the engine and
afterburner of Fireforce 2 for sound effects for the Batmobile!", says Martin. "The sound guy registered
186 decibels on his meter!"

Santa Pod Raceway latest.11th February: Rick Cuthbert of Trakbak Racing has been in touch with the very latest
developments at Santa Pod Raceway.

"Bug Jam’s baby brother, Big Bang, has had its web site at www.big-bang.co.uk
overhauled in time for the 2005 event between 30th April and 2nd May.
Big Bang includes loads of drag racing activities including Run What You Brung, Volkswagen Drag Racing Club, and an important
new addition for drag racing fans: the Big Bang ET Challenge! This massive car-only competition takes place on the Monday of Big Bang weekend
and is open to all racers including non-VWDRC classes. Expect more news on this exciting part of the show soon (We've got
a little surprise of our own about the Big Bang - Ed)!"

SCR marshals' meeting tomorrow.11th February:Shakespeare
County Raceway will be holding its annual marshals'
meeting tomorrow (Saturday 12th), writes Ozzy Ewing. The meeting will start at 10.30am and will be
held in the marshals' unit behind the wall at the startline area.

"I would like to thank Martin Hill and everyone who came along to display their vehicles today", said
Xtreme Wheels organiser Terry Gibbs. "Thanks also to Sky Sports."

We attended the Press Call in association with
American Car Imports and you can see our
Photo Gallery by clicking
here, or by clicking on the Event Coverage link on the left-hand side of any Eurodragster page.

Hat'll do nicely!10th February: UK Super Pro ET racer Mick Payne has become the latest customer of
Carbon By Design, adding one of the company's 'tall' injectors to his seven-second Artful Dodger
Coronet (right, click on picture for large version).

"Luke and Lyndsey Ramage and their daughter may come to Greece for a few days in the summer, and we will let Luke have a seat in his old car -
with a real engine this time! - and have a go in a Greek race."

"Winners and runners-up will get vouchers from Lövén Racing for using Hoosier Racing tyres in 2005!",
says Patrik. "To be able to claim contingency, the racer should have bought at least one set of rear tyres
through Löven Racing in 2005."

"We know that many Pro Mod races have been won on Hoosier tyres, and we want
to give the European Pro Mod racers a good deal on those tyres", says Jan
Murén of Löven Racing, Swedish importer of Hoosier.

For more details, or to get a special promotional price on Hoosier tyres, call Lövens Racing
at +46 (0)155-28 78 78. Tyres should be ordered before the end of March to get the special promotional
price. Tyres can be picked up at the track at all FIA events, or they can be sent.

For more information about Hoosier Racing Tires, check out the company's official web site at
www.hoosiertire.com.

Glenn sent us the following announcement, which covers other Health and Safety issues at
Santa Pod, and which we are publishing verbatim. It goes without saying that it is very important that everyone
who goes to Santa Pod Raceway and other tracks, be they racer, official or fan, reads Glenn's piece:

BBQs:

The agreement as regards BBQs is that a reasonable set of rules has been put into place that
must be adhered to, no exceptions.

These are:

No BBQs to be lit before 1730 hrs (unless for any reason the racing has been officially curtailed).

All BBQs to be positioned in a sensible manner considering these points:

Away from fuel and flammables, fuel stocks to be in containers that are fit for purpose and stored
away in trailers etc with doors closed (not in your camper!). This includes empty fuel containers which
are in some cases more dangerous than full ones.

Away from your race vehicle.

Pay attention to what is overhead, do not place your BBQ under the gazebo or awning (unless there
is at least 3m of clearance), as hot air rises and you will end up with a molten gazebo on your head.

If your BBQ is powered by LPG (Butane etc) then pay attention to the gas container and valves
for leaks etc. Keep it in a well ventilated area and don't change the cylinder when the rig is still hot.

The suitable fire extinguisher that you provide for your pit area will be positioned in an area close
to the BBQ in case anything should anything go wrong. Please don't leave it in your truck so we have to
search for it. It may also be prudent to note the location of the extinguisher in adjacent pit areas, should
you need more resources.

Make sure that your BBQ is in a safe place so that when it comes to leaving it to cool down, no one
will catch themselves on it and tip it over or burn themselves.

Should you be having an alcoholic drink, please try to remind yourself that you are not the funniest
person in the world, and your friends won't split their sides laughing when you try to walk on hot ashes
and other hilarious stunts, keep away from your BBQ when beveraged (or otherwise intoxicated).

If you have an incident call for the emergency teams, if you can't contact them call the fire brigade.
Just remember, they might not know you or your vehicle, give them a chance, give a location...near to the
Pod Shop, the pastie wagon or whatever.

We will all only get one chance to make this work, should anyone have an incident or sustain an injury, we
are all doomed and the caterers will love you for life as they drive off into the sunset their Bentleys.

It is essential that everyone works by the rulebook on this one. It is the same for everyone, no exceptions.
Pro Racer, Sportsman or whatever, it has got to work. It is also important that you all devise a way to
police this thing, if you see someone abusing the BBQ code tell them or tell Security.

If you’re not sure of something ask!

FUEL STORAGE AND USE:

Once again the local authority inspectors had a field day with us in the pits. Whatever you do, THINK!

Fire shows no mercy, it will eat you and all of you belongings before you realise what is happening. People
have said to me that all of this has come along since the fire at Shakespeare County a while ago. Indeed a
lot of it has, but don't fall into the trap of thinking it won't occur again for another twenty years it's
not if, but when; don't let it be you!

I have a reasonable idea of what it must be like to be sat in a Funny Car as it lights up, or as your nitro
bike engine lets go big time between your legs and I do not want to be there.

Believe me, if your pit area catches fire you will cry for help because it spreads faster than you can run; race
vehicle, trailer, camper, next camper, kids asleep in the camper, next trailer etc. Don't let it happen!

Don't store it under your camper or caravan, that's the same as putting a can of unleaded under
the stairs at home, lethal.

Fuel away before the BBQ comes out.

Spillages absorbed properly, do not let it enter the drains.

If you have a spillage call or an incident call for the emergency teams, if you can't contact them
call the fire brigade. Just remember, they might not know you or your vehicle, give them a chance, give a
location...near to the Pod Shop, the pastie wagon or whatever.

PIT WORK:

It is essential that you conduct yourself and your work in a respectable manner as you have a duty of care to others.

When working in your pit area ensure that you are using equipment properly and it is fit for purpose. If you
are doing hot work, make sure that all around you is safe, your extinguisher is out ready for use and if possible
have a person just overseeing everything.

When you are running up your car or bike ensure that it is secure on proper stands not just balanced on a trolley
jack! If you are in your car, then you need your safety gear on because if there is a fire you will become the
sizzling centrepiece.

Nitro vehicles, especially the Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car teams; when you run up your vehicles consider
the amount of fumes that gather underneath your awning and ensure that there is somewhere for it to go.

Team members are very often totally unaware of the surroundings when they are focussing on the car, stood
wearing ear defenders and full face masks. This could be recipe for disaster, keep your wits about you keep
looking about for the danger signs, remember Pro racer or not you have a duty of care to others.

VIEWING THE RACING:

Whilst we all love viewing the racing from the best seat in the house, it is not advisable to do this from the
top of your transporter, balanced on your tail lift and even worse, take your kids up too!

The tops of most trailers are designed to keep the weather out and provide a modicum of security, not as
a multi-seater stadium.

A fall from two metres can be as dangerous as a fall from ten metres, a recent incident in the West Midlands
area proved this. A person fell from the rear of a truck, a height of only about 1.5 metres, injury? FATAL!

If your transporter was to be classed as a piece of work equipment (shall we avoid that argument?) then it
would require guard rails, toe boards etc. Just bear that in mind and if you want to use it, build a rig on
top of it and provide proper access to it.

KIDS:

I guess this is a big one, many of the kids at the strip have been brought up on racing and understand the
ins and outs of it all. Others don't. There have been many near misses this year that have involved children
and youths.

Try to explain the dangers to them (not just the speed and racing) but things like running about knocking
people over, young kids in prams, getting under the wheels of race vehicles in the pits etc.

As we all have that duty of care thing, remember to look after your kids and protect their health and
welfare with ear defenders, hats, suncream and other bits and bobs.

MINI MOTOs, QUADS AND OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES:

To mini motos - NO!

Use of these at Santa Pod has caused a number of accidents leading to injuries during the 2004 season, it
will not continue to happen, because the promoters and the local authority inspectors will not allow them any more.

Quads and small bikes can be used in a responsible manner for moving equipment or towing race vehicles. I
did say a responsible manner, and I did mean that!

They should all be fitted with a horn and plenty of warning be given to folk that are in your way. Remember
they have as much right to that piece of ground as you do, racing does not give you the rights to all of the pits.

Anyone seen racing or acting in an irresponsible manner on small bikes, trikes or quads faces the possibility
of being evicted from the event, no excuses.

The same applies to people driving other vehicles in an irresponsible manner, no its, no buts, cheerio.

"With the Mini v Beetle Shootout's continued growth in popularity at York
Raceway, it's become a two-day event for the tenth anniversary this Easter", says Howard.
"Staged over 26th-27th March (Easter Sunday and Monday), Sunday will be for
qualifying and Monday for eliminations. Sunday will also include the Moddifiers Shootout round 1 and Run What You've
Brung sessions. As well as the Mini v Beetle Shootout eliminations, Easter
Monday will include Air Cooled Eliminators round 1, Test and Tune for high
performance and race cars, and Run What You've Brung sessions. Roger Goring's
Firestorm Jet Funny Car will be on the track both days."

Howard also tells us that the American Super Stock calendar has been slightly amended, and is now as follows:

"The car was built by Andy Robinson Race Cars", Danny told Eurodragster. "The
body is by Tim McAmis, and the
engine
is an Alan Johnson 526 built by Atchison Racing with a set-up similar to Glen Kerunsky's."

Danny added that he and Crew Chief Dave Reed are seeking additional crew. "I am looking for two team members",
says Danny. "You can be experienced, or we will train you. You will be fed and watered, you might even
get steak and chips". Stay tuned for more about Danny's stunning new Chevy, but in the meantime if
you would like to join the UK's newest Pro Mod team then give Danny a call on 01268 560100 or
his mobile on 07971 568266.

Danny has his own team page on the European Pro Mod Association web site at
www.promod.nu.

"Jayne would love to hear from potential sponsors and, of course, any of her contemporaries on the
Junior Drag Racing circuit", says Gary. If you would like to get in touch with Jayne then drop her
an E-Mail at gjkf1@aol.com.

PMR off-season update.9th February: Paul Marston tells us that the workshop of Paul Marston Racing is its usual
hectic self at present. "The new workshop facilities which we currently share with associate sponsor Gary Springford's Drag Race
Engineering are very busy", says Paul. "The Drag Race Driving School's Insanity Chevy Vega pick-up has now had nearly all its jobs
done including replacing last season's Small Block with a freshly-built for Big Block Chevy, fitting a custom-built JW Transmissions eight-inch
converter, replacing the ring and pinion gears for a taller set to suit the Big Block's requirements, custom-built new headers, lightening and
refabricating the front end to suit the Big Block, a new transmission tunnel, repositioning of the rear brakes system, complete refabrication
of the rear wing and fuel access system and many other small jobs.

"Amongst the various projects currently being worked on in this busy workshop, the latest full-chassis race car project to roll out of
Drag Race Engineering is coming along very well: Gary Springford's own personal mount for the forthcoming season, his Super Gas/Pro ET
Shogun, is shaping upl. Easter approaches and the build is right on schedule to be ready for the Thunderball, although the jury is still out
whether Gary will launch his 2005 Pro ET Championship title bid in the new car since it will need developing and setting up, which
means track time. With the cold weather currently upon us, it remains to be seen what opportunities lay ahead in way of testing time before
the Easter Thunderball. With this in mind Gary is maintaining an option on a Paul Marston Racing mount for the opening rounds of the 2005 season.

"With that in mind, anyone who is interested in one of the infamous Paul Marston Racing Drag Race Passenger Rides, an even more
knee-trembling ("Knee-trembling"? What do you do with your pupils? - Ed) Drag Race Driving School day, or in taking that big
step and renting one of our School race cars and entering a National Event should call the office on 0208 597 4575 or my mobile
on 07831 650230, or E-Mail office@pmracing.fsnet.co.uk
without delay: there are still some spaces left in all areas but naturally not many. The packages make good economic sense.

"Lastly keep an eye on our web site at www.paulmarstonracing.com
for all of our race dates, and dates for the Drag Race Passenger Ride Experience and Drag Race Driving School which are filling up
quickly. Some exciting new developments will also be posted over the next few weeks."

Swift snippets.8th February: UK Junior Dragster racer Matthew Seamarks and the Gingerman Racing
team are moving up to Junior Modified this season with a new methanol-burning engine. "We tried going Modified on petrol but
could not get it to work right", says Matthew. "The rest of the car is still the same as last season, we have already been testing and have so far got down to
14.481/42.97. Our next test will be at the Saturday Night Special on 19th February. The Gingerman team will again by sponsored by The Curry Garden in
Rushden this season.

Many congratulations to Jerry and Sharron Collier of UK Supertwin team Jade Racing, who have become parents for the second time with the
birth of their daughter Skye, born at 10:30 am on Sunday at Chesterfield Hospital. Skye, a sister for Junior racer Scott, weighed in at eight pounds
exactly, and both mum and daughter are doing fine. We are sure that everyone will join Sharkman and Tog in congratulating Jerry and
Sharron on Skye's arrival.

SPRC Dinner Dance thanks.8th February:Santa Pod Racers Club Secretary Paula Marshall has been in touch to thank
everyone who made the weekend's Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation such a success.

"I felt the evening went very well - I never heard any complaints!", says Paula. "It was also great to see Sarah Jane and Dave - I hope they enjoyed it as
much as we all enjoyed seeing them there. From my personal point of view I would like to say a few Thank Yous:

To the SPRC Committee - Ian, Darren, Phil, John, Carole for presenting the trophies; to Sharkman, Paul, Tog, Ian, Carole and Alison for helping me to set
up the room on Saturday afternoon; to Graham Beckwith for the trophy presentations to everyone; to Bruce Goddard from the MSA to present the British
MSA Top Methanol trophies; to Carole for sorting out the raffle prizes; to Tog for sorting out the slide presentation for the SPRC Championship points standings;
and to Sharkman for taking the photographs.

The help I receive makes it all worthwhile. Thanks a lot."

Pat Ginn writes on behalf of herself and TJ O'Brien to thank everyone who was at the SPRC Dinner Dance for a very enjoyable evening. "It just gets
better and better every year, and next year I will make sure I book early!", says Pat. The evening was made by a very special appearance of the bravest woman
I know, Scary Jane. What a welcome she got, and very rightly deserved (Hear, hear - Ed), let's hope we will have the honour of her visiting the tracks this
season. I'm sure that everyone is wishing Scary Jane all the luck in her future operations."

2004 MSA British Drag Racing Champion, Top Methanol FC racer Doug Ripley, his wife Jane and a number of his crew had a proud and
fun-filled night on Saturday evening, says clutch technician Darren Gould. You can read all about the CC Racing team's evening on their
official web site at www.freewebs.com/ccracing. "CC Racing would like to
pass on our congratulations to Eurodragster.com for being awarded the 2004 Svensk Dragracing Eagle Award for contribution to the sport", says
Darren. Thanks very much Darren, and a big Thank You to everyone else who has been in touch to congratulate us.

Libby Mottershead, who dropped herself in it in September with a passing comment about presenting Eurodragster.com with the next trophy we won, writes that she was very
grateful to make the Eagle Award presentation even though a member of Svensk Dragracing, our good buddy Christer Abrahamson, was on the
facility (as was Kjell Pettersson, Chairman of Svensk Dragracing - Ed). "We met Christer in the hotel bar on Friday night", says
Libby. "When we eventually retired to bed I said to Nev "You know what that means, Christer is from Svensk Dragracing so he will
be presenting the Eagle Award", so I had come to terms that he was obviously the worthier fellow for the job. When I was told that I was still going
to do it I was filled with nervous trepidation. It made the night so special and I felt very privileged. Thanks Tog and Sharkman, Paula
Marshall, Christer, and the Comittee of Svensk Dragracing."

The four UK Street Eliminator cars headed for the World Street Race in Louisiana in March are due to be
placed in containers for shipping today. Eurodragster.com will be at freight forwarding company Benair's premises
today and we will report back with a special feature as soon as we can afterwards.

A slightly belated Happy Birthday to another good buddy, Axel Envall, who just reached the grand old age of
seven. Hope you had a good day, Axel.

"The car was in the Baca Family Racing shop in San Francisco only a few weeks ago, and now
it's here", said Lex. "It's really nice
to have it here. We have had a lot of attention today, the guys from MPM were here and they were very happy indeed -
they didn't realise how good the car is! They toasted the car with
champagne. We also had a newspaper here, and they will be doing a feature over this weekend."

Lex said that the container turned up bang on time and that
everything was in order. "We were very pleased to find that everything was still
where it had been packed", he said, "we only had a couple
of hours to pack the container and secure everything when we were in the USA. We're very relieved!"

Now that the car is in the workshop, the MPM Top Fuel team will be checking their inventory
of parts and preparing the dragster for painting. "We have to take off all the decals, and remove the wings",
said Lex. "The body panels are to be painted dark blue, and then the MPM design will be painted on which will
take about a month. Meanwhile we will be looking at the spares and training the new members of our crew.
Our Crew Chief Eddie Corr will be coming over with the experienced team members in early March for a
training weekend."

The MPM Top Fueller will make its public début in front of TV, press and public at a show in the south
of the Netherlands in March, and then the car will be prepared for its first competitive outing at the
Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway.

Gredzinski Mob-handed.5th February: Our good friend, photo-journalist and graphic designer Mark Gredzinski has
been in touch to tell us how he is getting on repainting the body of the
Mob Fuel Altered.

"The Mob will be ready for the Xtreme Wheels show", says Mark. "While Crew Chief Ollie Burn and crew John, Andy, Mike, etc. get the car rebuilt
and mechnically checked for the coming season, the team's venerable body has been freshened up in order to look its best. A few seasons' worth of passes
has caused many cracks to appear which have been repaired and strengthened. The shell has been widened in the past and has now received its fourth
paintjob. The rear arch area has been radiused slightly to provide clearance for tyre growth in the slicks.

"Frank Griffin has done the spray work in team Mob colours of Ford Azure Blue and silver and has done a fine job, as prepping the shell can't have
been a nice job! The paint design is basically as I did last time. I'm in the process of doing the signwriting, and the body is languishing in my mother-in-law's
garage in Birmingham as I have no facilities. A studio it ain't, being a wooden lock-up more suited for a Mini! I should be done by Sunday, hopefully before
hypothermia sets in! Squatting on the floor with a loaded brush of enamel paint in winter is not my idea of fun - I'm sure it was different for Kenny Youngblood
in California! It's bearable with my woolly hat on and a mug of tea, but the paint drying time is measured in days rather than hours. It's supposed to get
colder on Saturday too - can't wait!

"Anyway, what is it going to look like? Well the Mob logo will be unchanged, as that is the team identity and it has to match the front wing as well.
Some of the other colours have been altered, such as Mickey's name to give it a fresh look, and I've done a spray treatment on the valve covers to define
the ribs. I'm hoping that the car will look spiffing but I'll reserve judgement until its finished - I'm bound to spill some paint on it at some stage...actually, I
already have - hurrah for thinners, they'll never know (Oops, maybe we weren't meant to publish that bit - Ed)!

"One thing which still survives is a picture I painted on top of the rear wing. Most people will not have seen it, which is a shame as it took a while to do and
is not normally my thing as I'm no David Shepherd."

We will check out the Mob's rear wing we are the first time above it in Race Control and will report back.

Could all users of the Swap Meet who advertise vehicles, parts or services on behalf of their businesses please
use this new category from now on. If you have any queries then please drop us a line at
webmaster@eurodragster.com.

Swift snippets.5th February: Ben Linney of Japanese import specialist
GT Culture tells us that the Top Secret-built
Drag R Nissan will be making its first UK appearance at Santa Pod Raceway's Peak Performance Day
on Saturday 19th March. "She'll be on Toyo NT555R drag radials - superior tires to those used to run a 9.6 in Japan - and hopefully
Bogart race wheels, if they can be made and arrive from US in time", says Ben.

The latest addition to the non-drag racing line-up at Xtreme Wheels International
is Leif Tufvesson's self-built hot rod, which was the first non-US rod to win a place in Hot Rod magazine's
top ten. The rod is based on a Volvo T6 and took Leif no less than five years to build.

Woollatt bearing up.4th February: 2004 ACU UK Top Fuel Bike Champion Steve Woollatt has announced a sponsorship
deal with ACL Bearing Company. Tony Merry, official UK distributor for the Australian bearing manufacturer, will
be supplying Steve with crankshaft bearings for Puma engine of his six-second Dealer Top Fuel Bike.

Longtime fans will remember Tony Merry for his beautiful Liquidator Ford Pop, and his involvement with
Bob Jarrett on Stripteaser and the Showtime Fuel Funny Car, an association which continues to this day.
Tony told us about ACL bearings.

"I went to visit Tony at his business premises in Purfleet and I was amazed at the level of stock", said Steve
Woollatt. "I've never seen anything like it! It's a very impressive and obviously well-run operation. I am
very grateful to Tony for supplying our bearings - from stock of course!"

Steve would be very pleased to speak to any racers interested in ACL bearings; you can contact him on his
mobile at 07860 375500.

Steve said that he has a couple of changes to this year's set-up. "We have a different configuration of
piston", he said, "and we've got access to one of Elmer Trett's cam grinds so we will be trying that."
As well as the new deal with ACL Bearing Company, Steve is to be sponsored in 2005 by
Bikes of Brighton, Born To Be Wild, Fearnley Engineering, G and S Valves, G-Max Racing Fuels, Motorcycles
Unlimited of London, NGK Europe Limited, Polygon Engineering (PEST), Pretech Engineering, Richa Leathers,
Shoei Helmets and Titanium International Limited, and he will continue to receive support from Phil Baimbridge.

Finally Tony Merry mentioned that his company Engine Parts UK has just started to supply a limited range
of forged pistons for Japanese cars including Skylines and Subarus. If you are interested in the pistons
then you can phone Engine Parts UK any morning on 01708 890444.

A sexy new body!4th February: After a considerable amount of planning and design work, Carbon By Design and
Sboke Composites
are in the process of manufacturing their first prototype one-piece carbon fibre Top Fuel Dragster (right, click on any link for more pictures).
The body is being manufactured at the CBD headquarters in Sweden by Knut Söderqvist of Carbon By Design, Alan Gorman of Sboke,
Chris Andrews and Peter Söderqvist.

Flowers are welcome or, if you would prefer, please make a donation in David's memory to the Childrens' Oncology Department of Christie's Hospital
in Manchester, whose web site you can find at www.christies.org. Donations may be made
on-line at this web site.

Smax Smith's Team Manager Paul Townsend has been in touch to add his tribute to
those which we published yesterday. "The Carbon by Design team has lost a stalwart - but the loss has also been to the world of drag racing",
says Paul. "Dave was a true gentleman and had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met - on or off the race circuit.
He was a true guru when it came to clutches and would work alongside anyone always finding the good things out of any situation.
I want to pay tribute to him firstly as a man of huge sincerity and integrity and then also as a professional team member who would do anything to help.
My thoughts are with all his family at this time - he will never be forgotten."

Smax Smith said that he and his family send their best wishes to
David's family and friends. "We are devastated Dave has left this planet, but hopefully he will be keeping his beady eyes over us from the other world!",
said Smax. "He was well loved and respected, and we will light a candle and drink a toast for his passing. Rest well my friend."

The US inspection contingent will as ever consist of Tim Hyatt, Murf McKinney and Danny Gracia ably supervised by Arnie
Kuhns.

Stay tuned and as soon as we have information on the venues we will bring it to you.

Lo rider.3rd February: If you have been reading Eurodragster News during the off-season then
you will know that 2003 and 2004 FIA European Top Methanol Funny Car Champion Urs Erbacher will be
toting two race vehicles in 2005: his record-holding TMFC with which he is aiming for a third straight
Championship, and a new Supertwin (right). Team member Andrea Wucher brought us up-to-date on
developments on the two-wheeled side of the Fat Attack workshop.

"Two or three team members will take care of bike, and the rest of the Fat Attack team will work on the Funny Car.
We will probably have to cut back on warm food, and stick to sandwiches and Swiss chocolate over
the race weekend to get all the work done.

"There is a lot of work waiting in the shop, and a lot of organisation to be done before, during and after races. Jobs have to be split up and team members have
be trained on their new duties. But the team is so motivated and eager to get out there again, that we are sure that we will handle it successfully."

You can stay in touch with the Fat Attack team on their official web site at www.fatattack.ch.

They made it!3rd February: If you were tuned in last Saturday
you will have read that Super Gas racer and sport sponsor Matthew Wright and Gleeson Wright Security-backed Super Pro
ET racer Ashley Bell were aiming
to make it to Sweden and back in three days on a delivery/collection run. Ashley's partner Harri tells us that
the guys made it back in one piece complete with a beautiful eight-second Cobra purchased from Rickard Kulle (right),
which Ashley plans to run in Super Pro ET.

"Eventually they reached their destination, a whole day of driving having left them shattered. A good night's sleep and a fine Swedish breakfast
gave them the best start for the return leg. They did however venture outside for a snow fight, which left Swedish residents looking on in awe!
When they eventually arrived back in England early on Sunday morning, I received a phone call saying "We are nearly home, get a big fry-up and
a cup of tea on" - typical!

"Both Matt and Ashley would like to thank Rickard and his wife for their Swedish hospitality, and very much hope that they will venture to England to watch
the new car race. Also they hope that Rickard gets on well with his new Cobra venture. Hopefully testing will take place before the Easter meeting, watch this space."

Swift snippets.3rd February: Swedish Pro Mod racer Lars-Inge Johansson is recovering well from the latest operation on his ankle which
was damaged in his terrible top-end crash at Santa Pod in 2003, and he says that he is all set for 2005 after
returning with his rebuilt blown-alcohol Chevelle station wagon last season. "I think the car is better now than ever before"
says Lars-Inge. "We would like to thank Roger Johansson who gave us a lot of help. We are planning to do
a full season this year - all I have to do is push the button."

Norway's Gardermoen is now to be known as Amcar International Raceway after an agreement between
Norsk Dragracing Gardermoen and the Amcar Car Club. You can read more on the NDRG web site at
www.norskdragracing.com.

The newly-formed Nostalgia Fuel Altered Association have confirmed that they will be displaying
four cars at Xtreme Wheels International at
Alexandra Palace on 19th-20th February. Ollie Burns and Lawrie Gatehouse will be on hand on both days
to answer questions and register interest from racers. "We see Xtreme Wheels as an important part
in building interest for the NFAA Series", says Lawrie Gatehouse. Stay tuned for news of the cars which
will be on display.

UK Super Comp racer Andy Williams also tells us that his Wild Child dragster, imported from the
USA last year, will be on display at Xtreme Wheels International.

Anders Magnusson tells us that he recently switched on a stats package for the official web site of
Sweden's Andréasson Motorsports Top Methanol FC team and was astonished by one aspect
of the results. "In the first nineteen days, we had visitors from twenty seven different countries",
he says. "You expect visitors from Europe and the USA but not from countries such as Hong Kong and
Peru."

A belated Happy Birthday to UK Super Pro ET racer Martyn 'Syd' Jones who celebrated his
fiftieth birthday on Tuesday. We hope you had a great day, Syd.

The March 2005 issue of American Car World magazine contains a free pull-out A3-sized poster
which features a photograph of the FIA European Championship-holding
American Car Imports Racing
Top Methanol Dragster snapped by Eurodragster.com Photo Editor Sharkman.

Santa Pod Raceway's web site at www.santapod.com has been updated with
news about the Easter Thunderball motorsports extravaganza.

David Elden.2nd February: We are very sorry to have to report the death of David Elden, clutch technician on the Carbon By Design
Top Fuel team. David died yesterday (Tuesday) at the age of 49, peacefully at home after a long illness which he bore bravely and with good humour.

"Today one of my best friends died", said Carbon By Design Top Fuel team owner Knut Söderquist. "Dave was a true Champion who had been
fighting illness for a year. I had a conversation with Dave last week and he said "I'm giving it my all", and that's the same spirit which won Smax Smith
his Championship. Dave worked his heart out even when he was sick. All of us in the Carbon By Design Top Fuel team are devastated to lose a friend
and buddy who always gave it everything he had. Well done David, we will always miss you."

"David was the nicest guy you could hope to meet", said CBD Crew Chief Alan Jackson. "There was no harm at all
in the guy. We have been working together since 1999; David worked on the clutch but he was also very good for
other jobs such as making brackets - he could turn his hand to anything. David will be very sorely missed, my
condolences to his family and friends."

David's nephew Mark Turner, also a clutch technician on the CBD team, tells us that David was responsible for his getting into drag racing. "David has
a lot to answer for!", said Mark. "Jöran Persåker's team will be running this season in David's memory."

Fellow CBD crew member Rob Inglis expressed his
sincere sadness about the passing of his friend and crew-mate. "In all the time I knew and worked with David on
the CBD cars over the past few years, I never heard him complain once", sais Rob. "Even after his diagnosis, he just always seemed to be calm and determined, exactly
how he was when working on the cars. I admire so much that steely approach and determination to continue as normal as possible, and I will miss seeing
him at the races. The old saying is true, a nicer guy you could not meet."

We will remember David as a very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable member of the team who was always smiling and ever-ready with a
humorous comment as we interviewed team members. We are sure that everyone will join Tog and Sharkman in sending our sincere sympathies
to David's family and friends.

Louise Keirnan.2nd February: We were also sorry to hear from Augy Harrison that UK Super Street Bike racer
Louise Keirnan (right, picture by Gareth Evans) has died. Augy kindly sent us the following obituary:

It is with great sadness that I have to report the loss of former Super Street racer Louise Keirnan who died in a car accident on Monday. Louise
lived life to the full and was not afraid of a challenge, she made many friends whilst undertaking her numerous hobbies that included parachute
jumping, ice climbing and thrashing her road bike round Europe's circuits on their track days.

Following a serious bike accident in the early 1990s Louise was forced to re-evaluate her life which resulted in her entering higher education. She
graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree and started her career as a design engineer. Louise spent time working for Triumph and
Ricardo before finally working for a turbocharger manufacturer in Sheffield.

Louise last raced a bike bought from mentor and close friend Mike Chislett in Super Street which she managed to coax down into the 8.80s. She
will be sadly missed and I'm sure all the racers who knew her will join with me in sending their sincere condolences to her family.

Sharkman and Tog would like to join Augy in sending our sincere sympathies to Louise's family and friends, as will all of our readers.

Peter Gransden.2nd February: Shakespeare County Raceway's Chief Starter Tony Byng has been in touch with
the sad news that Peter Gransden passed away on Monday morning.

"Peter was the man behind the counter and the voice on the telephone at American Autoparts in Thornton Heath", says Tony. "His
brother Tony ran the workshop there and raced their Super Gas doorslammer to great success in the past.
Letters of condolence can be sent via the American Autoparts web site at
www.americanautoparts.co.uk."

Tog and Sharkman and all of Eurodragster's readers would like to send our deepest sympathies to Peter's family and friends.

Editor's note: Out of respect for David, Louise and Peter we are letting their obituaries stand alone on today's news
update; we will resume the news service tomorrow (Thursday).

Sample prices for twenty litres are £58.78 for Klotz 118 and £74.51 for VP C16. If you have any queries, or if you would like to place an order, then call
Paul on 0208 992 2655 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, or E-Mail
pknight@tiscali.co.uk.

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